Solids flow equalizer



Gd. 17, 1967 J, DAWSON 3,347,534

SOLIDS FLOW EQUALIZER Filed Dec. 21, 1965 INVENTOR JAMES E-AWSON ATTORNEYS United States Patent c 3,347,534 SOLIDS FLOW EQUALIZER James E. Dawson, Williamsport, Pa., assignor to The Young Machinery Company, Inc., Muncy, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Dec. 21, 1965, Ser. No. 515,319 18 Claims. (Cl. 259-180) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A solids flow equalizer particularly adapted for use with blending apparatus utilizing gravimetric flow of solids including a collector member having a plurality of inlets communicating with the blending apparatus and an outlet, and a flow restrictor disposed within the collector member. The fiow restrictor is positioned within the collector member between the inlets and outlet to equalize the flow of material introduced into the collector member from the plurality of inlets, and is cooperable with the collector member to prevent cross flow of material between the inlets.

This invention relates to an apparatus for blending particulate solids, and more particularly to an apparatus for combining and equalizing a plurality of streams of particulate solids in gravimetric flow.

In the prior art there has been developed a method of blending particulate solids generally by the withdrawal of the solids in gravimetric flow through a plurality of conduits having inlets located at a plurality of points spaced in a regular peripheral and longitudinal pattern around the exterior of an elevated solids reservoir in which the solids to be blended are deposited. The flow of the solids in the plurality of conduits is recombined so that the solids are reunited into a common bulk which either may be recycled for additional blending, or drawn off asa finished product. An apparatus for practicing this method generally is disclosed in US. Patent No. 3,106,385, reissued as US. Reissue Patent No. 25,687.

It further has been developed in the prior art to provide a collector means for the plurality of conduits withdrawing solids from the elevated reservoir which generally includes a housing having a plurality of inlets communicating with the plurality of conduits, a single outlet through which the recombined solids are discharged, and a flow restrictor disposed within the housing which acts to equalize the flow of solids from the plurality of conduits. Such a collector means functions as a flow equalizer for the various streams of solids withdrawn from the elevated reservoir and generally is constructed as disclosed in US. Patent No. 3,208,737.

In the operation of a solids flow equalizer of the type disclosed in US. Patent No. 3,208,737, the combination and equalization of the solids flow is believed to occur in two stages. During the first stage of operation, the particulate solids are introduced by gravimetric fiow from the conduits into the upper end of the collector means. The solids then traverse by gravimetric flow through the upper region of the collector means between the flow restrictor and the upper wall of the collector housing, attaining a state of flow equilibrium. The flow rate of the solids in the upper region of the collector means is independent of the various solids heads applied to the conduits. Initially, after a short interval of solids flow the upper region of the collector means becomes filled with solids so that the region becomes and remains flooded during the operation of the equalizer. In elfect, the solids are combined within the upper collector region and their flow rates are equalized. The second stage of operation consists of the with 3,347,534 Patented Oct. 17, 1967 drawal of the solids from the collector housing at a common flow rate. This is accomplished by permitting the flow of solids through the throttling interspace between the collector housing side wall and the restrictor at a rate less than that of free fall. Under such operation, the collector housing constantly is filled with particulate solids below the flow restrictor, except in the regions between the sloping limits of solid aggregate deposited around the entire periphery of the underside of the restrictor. Under such conditions, there is obtained equalized solids flow originating at the periphery orifice consisting of the collectorrestrictor interspace and terminating in a common solids discharge through the outlet opening.

In the use of the above described equalizer, it has been found that during the first stage of operation the gravimetric flow of particulate solids through the plurality of conduits into the collector member is impaired, as a result of the cross flow of material in the upper region of the collector member, causing a reverse flow of material in various conduits. Such condition tends to prevent or impair the material in the upper region of the collector member, to achieve a state of equilibrium necessary for the proper functioning of the equalizer, to permit particulate solids to be discharged through the collector-restrictor interspace at equal rates.

Accordingly, it is the principal object of this invention to provide an improved solids flow equalizer.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved solids flow stabilizer which will permit the Withdrawal of combined particulate solids at equal rates.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved solids flow equalizer which will eliminate reverse flow of particulate solids in the plurality of conduits introducing the particulate solids into the collector means.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved solids flow equalizer including a flow restrictorcombining of the plurality of streams of particulate solids in the region between the flow restrictor and the collector housing.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved solids flow equalizer of the type including a collector housing and a flow restrictor disposed within the housing, wherein the cross flow of particulate solids in the region between the flow restrictor and the collector housing tending to impair the introduction of material into the collector housing, is eliminated.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein: 7

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention; and

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIGURE 1, having a portion thereof broken away.

Briefily described, the present invention relates to a solids fiow equalizer generally comprising a collector member having a plurality of inlets for introducing particulate solids therein and at least one outlet for discharging the solids therefrom, the inlets being spaced equidistantly circumferentially relative to and equidistantly from the vertical centerline of the collector member, the collector member having a top horizontal wall, a flow restrictor disposed in the collector member between the inlet and outlet openings, having a frusto-conically shaped configuration including an enlarged upper wall disposed adjacent the top horizontal wall of the collector member in sufllcient proximity to provide a restriction to prevent the cross flow of material in the collector member between the inlets, and a frusto-conically shaped wall positioned to intercept material introduced into the collector member in gravimetrie flow.

In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the inlets are provided in the top horizontal wall of the collector member, the collector member includes, an upper vertically disposed cylindrical section and a lower inverted frusto-conically shaped section having the discharge outlet disposed axially thereof, a plurality of conduits secured to the top wall of the collector member communieating with the inlets, each inclined at the same angle relative to the horizontal to direct material into the collector member so that it impinges onthe conical sidewall of the flow restrictor, the flow restrictor is disposed concentrically relative to thevertical axis of the collector member, the diameter of the upper edge of the flow restrictor is slightly less than the inside diameter of the inlets in the top horizontal wall of. the collector member, the outside diameter of the lower edge of the flow restrictor is slightly larger. than the outside diameter of the inlets, and the flow restrictor is vertically adjustable within a limited range. In addition, the height of the flow restrictor is substantially equal to the height of the upper vertically disposed cylindrical section of the collector member and the angles of inclination of the conduits, the conical side wall of the flow restrictor and the conical section of the collector member, are in excess of the angle, of repose of the particulate solids processed through the flow equalizer.

Referring to the drawing, there is illustrated an embodiment of the invention. Generally, the embodiment includes a collector housing member 10, a plurality of conduits 11, connected to the housing member, and a flow restrictor 12 disposed within the housing member. The housing member includes an upper vertical cylindrical section 13, having an upper peripheral flange 14, and a lower inverted frustoconically shaped section 15. The section 15 includes a cylindrical lower end portion 16, providing an axially disposed lower discharge opening 17. A peripheral bolt flange 18 is formed around the lower end of the end portion 16. The upper end of the housing member is closed by a eirculartop wall member 19, which is seated on the peripheral flange 14 and is rigidly secured thereto by suitable fastening means. The angle of inclination of t the conically shaped section 15 is at least equal and preferably in excess of the angle of repose of the particulate solids processed through the equalizer. In addition, the height of the cylindrical section 13 is equal to or slightly greater than the height of the flow restrictor 12.

The conduits 11 may consist of any suitable number, and are equidistantly circumferentially spaced relative to and equidistant from the vertical axis of the housing member. The inlet openings 20 of each conduit communicating with the interior of the collector housing have the same cross-sectional area. In addition, the conduits with the exception of conduit 21, are inclined inwardly and downwardly at the same angle, so that material intro-,

duced into the collector housing will impinge on the side wall of the flow restrictor. The angle of inclination of the conduits 11 is at least equal and preferably in excess of the angle of repose of the particulate solids processed through the equalizer. Itwill be appreciated that the conduits 11 are provided with upper vertical sections, having inlets located at a plurality of points spaced in a regular peripheral and longitudinal pattern around the exterior of an elevated solids reservoir for withdrawing particulate solids therefrom. Also, the conduit 21 is provided with an axially disposed upper section connected to the solids reservoir for withdrawing material from the axially disposed lo'wer end thereof. The conduits 11 are adapted to function in the same manner as the conduits described in connection withthe equalizer disclosed .in U.S. Patent No. 3,208,737, to withdraw particulate, solids from the solids reservoir and introduce them into the collector hous- Theflow restrictor 12 has a frusto-conically shapedcon figuration including a horizontal upperwall 22 and an inclined side wall 23. The upper wall 22 has an enlarged area and a diameter slightly less thanthe inner diameter of the inlet openings 20 in the top wall 19 of the housing member. The diameter of the lower edge of the flow restrictor has a diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the inlet openings 20, so that upon vertical.

through a suitable opening in top wall 19 of the collector.

housing. The diameter of the lower end of the flow restrictor is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical section 13 of the collector member, so that when the flow restrictor is adjusted vertically within a limited range, the annular horizontal. area between the lower edge of the flow restrictor and the side wall of the collector housing can be varied to provide a throttling or valving action on the particulate solids flowing. through this collector-restrictor interspace.

The embodiment as illustrated in the drawing is adapted to function in a manner similar to the equalizer illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 3,208,737. Particulate solids Withdrawn from the elevated reservoir flow through the conduits 11 and are introduced into the upper. region of the collector housing through the inlet openings 20. The proximity of the upper wall 22 of the flow restrictor relative to the top wall 19 of the collector housing acts as a restriction to prevent the cross flow of material introduced into the upper region of the collector housing. This essentially eliminates reverse flow in the conduits 11 of either particulate solids or entrapped air. The elimination of cross flow permits the flow of particulate solids in the upper region of the collectorv housing between the conical side wall of the flow restrictor and the top wall of the collector housing, to attain a state of equilibrium. The

particulate solids in the upper region of the collector housing flow at an equal rate through the collectorrestrictor interspace and flow downwardly to be combined and discharged through the opening 17 in the manner as previously described. The particulate solids discharged through opening 17 eitherv can be recycled through the equalizer to achieve more intimate blending or can be drawn off as a finished product.

The flow restrictor 12 can be adjusted vertically to con trol the flow rate of the material passing through the collector-restrictor interspace and adjusted according to the nature of the particulate solids being processed, to

- prevent bridging of the material between the flow restrictor and the conical section 15 of the collector housing.

The provision of the upper .wall 22 of the flow re-' strictor, having a relatively large area, which can be moved adjacent thetop wall 19 of the connector housing, between the inlet openings 20 has been found to provide a suflicient restriction to eliminate cross flows of solids introduced into the collectorhousing. The solids thereby are permitted to be introduced into the upper region of the collector housing and immediately attain a state of equilibrium in traversing the region. The solids flow are equalized in the upper region and traverse through the restrictor-collector housing interspace at a common flow rate. In the lower region of the collector housing, the solids are combined and discharged through the bottom outlet.

From the foregoing detailed description it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A solids flow equalizer comprising a collector member having a top horizontal wall including a plurality of inlets for introducing material therein and an outlet for discharging material therefrom, said inlets being spaced circumferentially relative to and equidistantly from the vertical centerline of said collector member, a flow restrictor disposed in said collector member between said inlet and outlet openings, said flow restrictor having a frustoconically shaped configuration including an upper wall disposed adjacent the top wall of said collector member in sufficient proximity to prevent cross flow of material in said collector member between said inlets, and a frustoconically shaped wall positioned to intercept material introduced into said collect-or member, said flow restrictor being disposed concentrically relative to the vertical centerline of said collector member, the diameter of the upper edge of said flow restrictor being slightly less than the inside diameter of the inlets in the top horizontal wall of the collector member, the outside diameter of the lower edge of the restrictor being slightly larger than the outside diameter of said inlets and the flow restrictor being vertically adjustable within a limited range.

2. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 1, including a plurality of conduits secured to the top horizontal wall of the collector member, communicating with said inlets, each inclined at the same angle relative to the horizontal to direct material into the collector member so that the material impinges upon the conical wall of the fiow restrictor.

3. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 1, wherein the collector member includes an upper vertically disposed cylindrical section and a lower inverted frustoconically shaped section having the discharge outlet disposed axially therein.

4. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 2, wherein the collector member includes an upper vertically disposed cylindrical section and a lower inverted frustoconically shaped section having the discharge outlet disposed axially therein.

5. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 4, wherein the height of the How restrictor is substantially equal to the height of the upper vertically disposed cylindrical section of the collector member.

6. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 4, wherein the angles of inclination of the conduits, the inclined side wall of the flow restrictor and the conical section of the collector member, are in excess of the angle of repose of solids processed through the flow equalizer.

7. A solids flow equalizer comprising a collector member, said collector member having a plurality of inlets for introducing material therein and an outlet for discharging material therefrom, said inlets being spaced circumferentially relative to and equidistantly from a centerline of said collector member, said collector member having a portion thereof disposed between said inlets, a flow restrictor disposed in said collector member, said flow restrictor being disposed in said collector member for intercepting solids introduced into said collector member through said inlets and said restrictor member having a portion thereof cooperable with said collector portion to prevent cross flow of material in said collector member between said inlets.

8. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 7, wherein said collector portion and said cooperable restrictor portion continuously are disposed sufiiciently adjacent to prevent cross flow of material therebetween.

9. A solids fiow equalizer according to claim 7, wherein said collector portion and said cooperable restrictor portion have substantially similar configurations.

10. A solids fiow equalizer according to claim 9, wherein said collector portion and said cooperable restrictor portion continuously are disposed sufiiciently adjacent to prevent cross flow of material therebetween.

11. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 7, wherein said collector portion and said cooperable restrictor portion are substantially parallel.

12. A solids fiow equalizer according to claim 11, wherein said collector portion and said cooperable restrictor portion are disposed sufficiently adjacent to prevent cross flow of material therebetween.

13. A solids flow equalizer comprising a collector member, said collector member having a plurality of inlets for introducing material therein and at least one outlet for discharging material therefrom, said inlets being spaced circumferentially relative to and equidistantly from a centerline of said collector member, said collector member having a first portion thereof disposed between said inlets, a flow restrictor disposed in said collector member adjustable along said centerline, said flow restrictor being disposed in said collector member for intercepting solids introduced into said collector member through said inlets, said flow restrictor having a first portion thereof operable With said first collector portion to prevent cross flow of material in said collector member between said inlets, said collector member having a second portion disposed between said inlets and said outlet and said restrictor member having a second portion thereof cooperable with said second portion of said collector member when said restrictor member is adjusted along said centerline to vary the opening between said restrictor member and said collector member thereby regulating the flow of material from said inlets to said outlet of said collector member.

14. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 13, wherein said first collector portion and said cooperable first restrictor portion continuously are disposed sufiiciently adjacent to prevent cross flow of material therebetween.

15. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 13, wherein said first collector portion and said cooperable first restrictor portion have substantially similar configurations.

16. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 15, wherein said first collector portion and said cooperable first restrictor portion continuously are disposed sufiiciently adjacent to prevent cross flow of material therebetween.

17. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 13, wherein said first collector portion and said cooperable first restrictor portion are substantially parallel.

18. A solids flow equalizer according to claim 17, wherein said first collector portion and said cooperable first restrictor portion are disposed sufficiently adjacent to prevent cross flow of material therebetween.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,208,737 9/1965 Brown 259 WILLIAM I. PRICE, Primary Examiner. 

7. A SOLIDS FLOW EQUALIZER COMPRISING A COLLECTOR MEMBER, SAID COLLECTOR MEMBER HAVING A PLURALITY OF INLETS FOR INTRODUCING MATERIAL THEREIN AND AN OUTLET FOR DISCHARGING MATERIAL THEREFROM, SAID INLETS BEING SPACED CIRCUMFERENTIALLY RELATIVE TO AND EQUIDISTANTLY FROM A CENTERLINE OF SAID COLLECTOR MEMBER, SAID COLLECTOR MEMBER HAVING A PORTION THEREOF DISPOSED BETWEEN SAID INLETS, A FLOW RESTRICTOR DISPOSED IN SAID COLLECTOR MEMBER, SAID FLOW RESTRICTOR BEING DISPOSED IN SAID COLLECTOR MEMBER FOR INTERCEPTING SOLIDS INTRODUCED INTO SAID COLLECTOR MEMBER THROUGH SAID INLETS AND SAID RESTRICTOR MEMBER HAVING A PORTION THEREOF COOPERABLE WITH SAID COLLECTOR PORTION TO PREVENT CROSS FLOW OF MATERIAL IN SAID COLLECTOR MEMBER BETWEEN SAID INLETS. 